To assist those of any age with hearing loss, there are a variety of products available, at various prices, that can greatly enhance the quality of your life. To request a catalog or more information on these products, simply contact our office. Once you decide on the products that you are interested in, we will place your order for you.
Assistive listening devices are designed to improve both the safety and quality of living for those with hearing loss. We recommend that you speak with your audiologist, who will help to identify the areas in your life that could be improved by the use of an ALD. While an ALD cannot replace a hearing aid, it can be used in conjunction with a hearing aid or alone to enhance your hearing
SECURITY & ALARM SYSTEMS
This important category includes safety devices that warn of the possibility of emergency situations, and signaling devices designed to alert individuals of common sounds, like doorbells or a ringing phone.
Smoke/Fire Detectors
A smoke/fire detector that can warn an individual with hearing loss of impending danger is an absolute necessity. The detector will activate one or a combination of the following signals to alert the individual of the emergency: a vibration, a high-intensity sound, or various light options.
Alarm Clocks
Signaling alarm clocks, in portable or standard sizes, are available for use in the home or while traveling. The alarm function is either a vibration, audible sound, or flashing light. The level of sound frequency can also be adjusted. These alarm clocks are designed to wake sound sleepers and/or those with hearing loss.
Signalers
Vibrating or flashing light signalers are available to warn when a doorbell or phone is ringing or when a baby is crying.
Telephone Signalers
When the telephone rings, these devices are designed to vibrate, flash room lights, or emit a high-intensity sound. (Keep reading to learn about additional phone accessories.)
TELEPHONES & ACCESSORIES
Answering and conversing on the telephone can be especially difficult for individuals with hearing loss. There are no visual cues to follow, and often the sound is distorted. The positive is that there are a number of telephones and amplification accessories that can greatly improve telephone communication.
Amplified Telephones
These phones have high frequency and volume controls to improve the understanding of spoken language on the telephone.
Cordless/Speaker Phones
These phones represent the clearest cordless and speaker phones on the market today. The sound is amplified without sacrificing clarity.
Amplified Receiver Handset
The amplifier has an adjustable volume control on the handset and replaces the standard receiver on the phone.
Portable Telephone Amplifiers
The amplifier fits right over the receiver of the telephone and offers an adjustable volume control to amplify the voice on the other end of the phone.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD - formerly called TTY)
TDD’s are basically visual typewriters that send messages over the phone. The device relays conversations through typed words to another individual with a TDD device, or through a special operator that will relay the typed words to someone without a TDD.
LISTENING DEVICES FOR TELEVISION, THEATER, OR GROUP SITUATIONS
Personal listening devices make many situations more enjoyable for both the individual with the hearing loss and the people around them. The volume level of the television, radio, or stereo can be at normal levels if a listening device is used, therefore avoiding a situation where others cannot tolerate the high volume level needed for the individual with the hearing loss.
Infrared Listening Device System
This system provides exceptional sound clarity for television, home use, and in group situations, such as theaters or religious services. The individual wears a headset to receive a sound signal directly to the ears from a separate transmitter. The transmitter can be coupled directly to an audio output on the television. This system can also be used in similarly equipped churches, synagogues, theaters, and auditoriums. The device is easy to connect and very effective in various listening situations, especially in noisy environments. It is recommended that places that deal with the elderly, like nursing homes or retirement centers, keep a few of these on hand to help communicate with patients, or for enhancing a patient’s listening ability for television or lectures.
Personal FM Listening Device
A personal FM listening device allows for clear, comfortable listening in a variety of situations. A transmitter and receiver can be a real benefit for individuals with speech discrimination problems, especially children that may need assistance in understanding teachers, and individuals who have difficulty discerning speech in noisy environments. This device is portable and can be conveniently carried for use at anytime.
